Commonwealth Games Memories | John Price reflects on three Games and lifelong friendships

As the countdown to Glasgow 2026 continues, World Bowls is celebrating the rich history of bowls at the Commonwealth Games by inviting some of the sport’s most accomplished athletes to reflect on the moments that have meant the most to them.

John Price represented Wales at three Commonwealth Games between 1990 and 1998, winning silver medals in the men’s pairs and singles. He later returned to the Games as part of the BBC commentary team. Here, he shares his Commonwealth Games memories in his own words.

“Auckland 1990 was my first Games, a fantastic trip, my first appearance for Wales overseas and a great experience on 20-second greens in windy conditions. The playing highlight was defeating the defending champion Ian Dickison, of New Zealand, in the section play, only to miss out on the medal play-offs after losing to Richard Corsie, of Scotland, in a final-game shoot-out in the section.

Off the green, the team spirit and banter was great, and my abiding memory is of the Welsh fours skip, the legendary Trevor Mounty, sitting outside our bungalow in the village every morning in his underwear, having a cigarette and cup of tea, and giving athletic advice to the likes of Linford Christie as they jogged past on their early morning training runs.

In 1994, at the Victoria Games, I was selected again, this time in the pairs, leading for Robert Weale and we won our section to progress to the final. We were unfortunate to lose out in a close game against the Australian pair of Cameron Curtis and Rex Johnstone. Despite the disappointment of defeat, it was great to come away with a silver medal. Rob, myself and the rest of the team celebrated that night in the Sticky Wicket Pub in the middle of Victoria, enough of that, what goes on whilst on tour stays on tour!

My final Games was 1998 in Kuala Lumpur. It was a fantastic place to visit and despite the heat, humidity and testing greens, my form was good, beating the likes of Willie Wood, Gerry Baker and Rowan Brassey on a good run in the singles to reach the final again. Unfortunately, it was to be one of my most disappointing performances in the final and once again I had to settle for a silver, losing to Roy Garden, of Zimbabwe, who in fairness was the better player on the day and a deserving winner, having already despatched the great Tony Allcock and a young Jeremy Henry on his run to the final.

Despite the silver medal, it was probably my biggest career disappointment as I believed it was a missed opportunity to win gold. Nevertheless, life goes on and I always tell the kids that when I am dead and gone the pair of silvers will be worth more as they always say that on Antiques Roadshow: ‘Have you got a pair?’

For me, the Commonwealth Games, alongside the World Indoor Championships, is the most high-profile bowls event you can play in during your bowls career with TV and press coverage. It is also a great opportunity to mix with people from other sports and build friendships.

Since retiring from outdoor international bowls in 2000, I have been fortunate to be on commentary for BBC for the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, Melbourne, Glasgow and Birmingham.

I look forward to another great Games in Glasgow and wish all the players success, but more than anything else to enjoy and embrace a great experience.”